Numismatic

1907 $10 Indian Gold Eagle AU-58 NGC

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In 1907, the United States Mint introduced a striking ten-dollar gold coin that departed dramatically from traditional coinage designs. This inaugural year of issue features a bold depiction of Lady Liberty adorned with a Native American war bonnet on the obverse. Thirteen stars encircle this central figure, while the word LIBERTY is inscribed upon her hair band, with the date 1907 positioned below. This coin contains 0.4838 troy ounces of gold, struck in a 0.900 fine composition. The reverse of the coin showcases a proud bald eagle standing amidst the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and the ten-dollar denomination. Rather than a traditional reeded edge, this coin features raised stars along its rim. The original concept by designer Augustus Saint-Gaudens, who also created the famous twenty-dollar double eagle, was initially struck in high relief to resemble a medal. However, the mint lowered the relief of the design to ensure the coins could be stacked easily and to prolong the life of the coining dies. One of the most intriguing aspects of this 1907 issue is the absence of the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. At the time of production, this phrase was not legally mandated on United States coinage. President Theodore Roosevelt actively supported leaving the motto off the design, defending its omission. Consequently, this first-year release, along with the majority of the pieces struck in 1908, remains a fascinating testament to a brief era of presidential influence on American currency design.